Toronto -- Standard & Poor's CreditWire 8/18/98 -- Standard & Poor's today affirmed its triple-'B'-plus corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Talisman Energy Inc. following the company's proposed acquisition of the shares of Arakis Energy Corp. The outlook remains stable. Ratings on Talisman reflect the company's average competitive position, a growing and diversifying reserve base, and fairly conservative financial policies, which are offset by a high growth strategy. Talisman has made a series of acquisitions that have increased its proved reserve base, increased production, diversified reserves outside of Canada, and provided a better balance between oil and gas. The company has announced an agreement with Arakis whereby Talisman will issue about 9 million common shares to acquire all
